Birmingham Liberal Democratshttps://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/2018-03-17T16:00:09ZBirmingham Liberal Democratsinfo@birminghamlibdems.org.ukAll updates from Birmingham Liberal Democratshttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/favicon.icohttps://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/images/feed-logo.pngAllegations against Cambridge Analytica must be investigated2018-03-17T16:00:09Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1259232/allegations-against-cambridge-analytica-must-be-investigatedToday's New York Times alleges that Cambridge Analytica 'harvested' 50 million Facebook profiles in a potentially huge data breach.
If these allegations against Cambridge Analytica are correct then it is a shocking betrayal of people's personal data.
If this data was then actively exploited for political gain it is both underhand and immoral.

Today's New York Times alleges that Cambridge Analytica 'harvested' 50 million Facebook profiles in a potentially huge data breach.

If these allegations against Cambridge Analytica are correct then it is a shocking betrayal of people's personal data.

If this data was then actively exploited for political gain it is both underhand and immoral.

This whistleblower has made serious allegations of what would be dodgy practices.

They must now be investigated.

My fear is this could be the tip of the iceberg and all campaign work linked to Cambridge Analytica must now be scrutinised, including any links to elections in the UK.

5 ways to punish Putin2018-03-13T23:00:07Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258951/5-ways-to-punish-putinPutin is attempting to be the puppet master of the world, it is time we cut his strings.
The UK must build a coalition of the willing, able to put an end to Putin's murderous adventurism, and show murder condoned or directed comes at a very heavy price.
Putin is a bully who will not be put back in his box by entreaties from the Leader of the Opposition to have a chinwag over beer and sandwiches.

Putin is attempting to be the puppet master of the world, it is time we cut his strings.

The UK must build a coalition of the willing, able to put an end to Putin's murderous adventurism, and show murder condoned or directed comes at a very heavy price.

Putin is a bully who will not be put back in his box by entreaties from the Leader of the Opposition to have a chinwag over beer and sandwiches.

The government must now send a strong message to the Kremlin by:

Boycotting the World Cup in Russia and finding an alternative venue.

Seizing the UK-based assets of those implicated in this attack, and previous attacks through the creation of a UK Magnitsky Act

Introducing travel bans for top Russian officials

Suspending arms sales to Russia

Ensuring that the forthcoming register of beneficial ownership trusts is publicly accessible.

Real Help for the Homeless2018-03-13T15:16:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258900/real-help-for-the-homelessThe Liberal Democrats are fighting for a new solution that would tackle the growing problem of rough sleeping at its root.
The plan includes extra investment in mental health services as well as investment in thousands of new council houses.
If put into action Lib Dem plan would put money from the sale of local council houses back into a pot which the Council could use to build more council homes and tackle homelessness in our area.

The Liberal Democrats are fighting for a new solution that would tackle the growing problem of rough sleeping at its root.

The plan includes extra investment in mental health services as well as investment in thousands of new council houses.

If put into action Lib Dem plan would put money from the sale of local council houses back into a pot which the Council could use to build more council homes and tackle homelessness in our area.

New plans will put money and power back into the hands of local people and local councils. Councils would even be able to choose to end 'right to buy' locally if it was deemed to be damaging.

Commenting Gareth Hardy said "The current system isn't working so we're proposing a sensible alternative. It can't be one size fits all- here in Soho and Jewellery Quarter we have different problems to people in Westminster. It's about time local Councillors had the power and money to make sure nobody needs to sleep rough."

My response to the Spring Statement2018-03-13T15:00:09Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258819/my-response-to-the-spring-statementThe Spring Statement was a non-event.
The OECD gave us the clearer picture - that the economy is bumping along the bottom of the G20, well behind the likes of Australia, Canada and the Euro area.
The OBR's fresh forecasts are still a long way behind the figures estimated in March 2016 before the EU referendum.

The Spring Statement was a non-event.

The OECD gave us the clearer picture - that the economy is bumping along the bottom of the G20, well behind the likes of Australia, Canada and the Euro area.

The OBR's fresh forecasts are still a long way behind the figures estimated in March 2016 before the EU referendum.

It is time the government was honest with the public: there will need to be tax increases to pay for the NHS and social care, police and schools.

This is why the Liberal Democrats have advocated a penny in the pound income tax increase for health and care and why we must scrap cuts in Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax introduced since 2015.

The Government must U-turn on Universal Credit cuts2018-03-12T19:00:51Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258698/the-government-must-u-turn-on-universal-credit-cutsAhead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement, I'm calling on the government to reverse cuts to the Universal Credit Work Allowance.
The Treasury reduced the programme's funding by £3 billion annually after the Liberal Democrats left government in 2015, reducing the amount people can earn while on Universal Credit.

Ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement, I'm calling on the government to reverse cuts to the Universal Credit Work Allowance.

The Treasury reduced the programme's funding by £3 billion annually after the Liberal Democrats left government in 2015, reducing the amount people can earn while on Universal Credit.

Several high profile Conservatives have joined the Lib Dems in calling on the government to reverse the cuts.

The whole point of Universal Credit is to make work pay, which it did before the Conservatives cut its funding.

As soon as the Liberal Democrats left government in 2015, the then Chancellor George Osborne took an axe to UC's work allowances, slashing them by a shocking £3 billion pounds per year and reducing the amount people can earn on benefits.

This has destroyed the whole point of UC and pushed countless people below the water line.

That is why since being re-elected I have urged each respective DWP Secretary of State to demand the money be returned from the Treasury.

Today I am urging the Chancellor - when he gets up to make his Spring Statement tomorrow - to do the right thing and restore UC's original work allowances so that work really does pay for millions of people in this country.

With the roll-out of UC only around 8% complete, the Chancellor must step up and rescue the programme before real disaster strikes.

Major victory in ban on cold-calling2018-03-12T19:00:08Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258614/major-victory-in-ban-on-cold-callingAs the Financial Guidance and Claims Bill returns to the House of Commons today, the Liberal Democrats have secured a significant victory following the government's acceptance of crucial amendments tabled by Liberal Democrats peers in the House of Lords.
Led by Lord Sharkey, the Liberal Democrats campaigned in the House of Lords to end the scourge of cold-calling in relation to pensions, claims management and other financial services.

As the Financial Guidance and Claims Bill returns to the House of Commons today, the Liberal Democrats have secured a significant victory following the government's acceptance of crucial amendments tabled by Liberal Democrats peers in the House of Lords.

Led by Lord Sharkey, the Liberal Democrats campaigned in the House of Lords to end the scourge of cold-calling in relation to pensions, claims management and other financial services.

The Government have now committed to a total ban on pensions cold-calling, as well as prohibitions on other forms of cold-calling if these are shown to be detrimental.

The Lib Dems also secured a provision requiring people accessing their pensions to be referred to guidance, unless they explicitly opt out.

I am delighted that the government has seen reason and moved to clamp down on the scourge of cold-calling.

Every year millions of people are harassed and deceived by cold-callers, and in some cases, the financial consequences can be severe.

These measures will greatly improve the situation, and I will be watching the government closely to ensure they do not backtrack.

None of this would have been possible without the valiant efforts of Liberal Democrat peers in the House of Lords, led by John Sharkey.

Not only did the Lib Dems table and win the amendments that led to today's ban on cold-calling, they also secured provisions requiring people accessing their pensions to be referred to guidance.

This will ensure that people truly make the best of their hard-earned savings.

Liberal Democrats are the party of the NHS2018-03-12T10:18:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258561/liberal-democrats-are-the-party-of-the-nhsThe Liberal Democrats at their conference this weekend passed a motion celebrating 70 years of the NHS and the vital work of NHS staff.
Looking ahead to the challenges it will face in the future, we have also passed several new initiatives to tackle the challenges facing the NHS and social care and ensure they can continue delivering vital treatment and care for generations to come.
At Spring Conference in Southport, it was overwhelmingly agreed that the party would hold a review of the current capture, use and ownership of health data, with a view to making recommendations that balance the principles of assisting medical research, protecting the privacy of patients, and guarding against any unjustified concentration of data ownership.
A commitment to introducing additional resources to allow Mental Health Support Teams to be made available in all schools by 2019 was also passed.
Thirdly, to introduce a national scheme of preventative blood pressure monitoring run by community pharmacies.
Speaking from the Conference, Health Spokesperson for the LibDems in the West Midlands, Lee Dargue, praised the ambitious plan to safeguard and improve the NHS and Care services:
"The NHS came into being 70 years ago, after being designed by the great Liberal William Beveridge. A service free at the point of need, for all, must be protected, so that the NHS can continue providing the vital care that we all rely on, for decades to come."
"The Liberal Democrats know that this will require bold steps which is why we will secure the NHS the funding it needs by raising income tax by a penny in the pound
This has growing public support, and the LibDems are the only Party being open about the funding needed, and where we will find the extra cash.
"We would also re-establish the much-needed student nurse bursaries, and we'll review how the Health and Care sector can best share data securely, to improve health outcomes for all.
"I'm delighted that the Liberal Democrats have a plan to protect our NHS for future generations. A Liberal created the NHS - only the Liberal Democrats can protect it."

The Liberal Democrats at their conference this weekend passed a motion celebrating 70 years of the NHS and the vital work of NHS staff.

Looking ahead to the challenges it will face in the future, we have also passed several new initiatives to tackle the challenges facing the NHS and social care and ensure they can continue delivering vital treatment and care for generations to come.

At Spring Conference in Southport, it was overwhelmingly agreed that the party would hold a review of the current capture, use and ownership of health data, with a view to making recommendations that balance the principles of assisting medical research, protecting the privacy of patients, and guarding against any unjustified concentration of data ownership.

A commitment to introducing additional resources to allow Mental Health Support Teams to be made available in all schools by 2019 was also passed.

Thirdly, to introduce a national scheme of preventative blood pressure monitoring run by community pharmacies.

Speaking from the Conference, Health Spokesperson for the LibDems in the West Midlands, Lee Dargue, praised the ambitious plan to safeguard and improve the NHS and Care services:

"The NHS came into being 70 years ago, after being designed by the great Liberal William Beveridge. A service free at the point of need, for all, must be protected, so that the NHS can continue providing the vital care that we all rely on, for decades to come."

"The Liberal Democrats know that this will require bold steps which is why we will secure the NHS the funding it needs by raising income tax by a penny in the pound
This has growing public support, and the LibDems are the only Party being open about the funding needed, and where we will find the extra cash.

"We would also re-establish the much-needed student nurse bursaries, and we'll review how the Health and Care sector can best share data securely, to improve health outcomes for all.

"I'm delighted that the Liberal Democrats have a plan to protect our NHS for future generations. A Liberal created the NHS - only the Liberal Democrats can protect it."

Read Ed Davey's speech: Lib Dems are the party of policing2018-03-10T12:00:10Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258293/read-ed-davey-s-speech-lib-dems-are-the-party-of-policinghttps://www.libdems.org.uk/ed-davey-lib-dems-are-the-party-of-policing

Conservatives fail again on the Environment2018-03-09T17:57:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258270/conservatives-fail-again-on-the-environmentSpeaking from the Liberal Democrats Conference in Southport, Ladywood Parliamentary Spokesperson, Lee Dargue, criticised the Government's decision to ignore the growing calls for a levy on throwaway cups:
"As with so many other areas in government, the Conservatives refused to accept, and act upon, evidence. The public is increasingly supportive of the Liberal Democrat call for a 25p charge on throwaway cups for coffee - the aim being to increase the use of reusable cups.
"In government, the LibDems broke through resistance from Conservatives to introduce a 5p charge on throwaway shopping bags. Literally billions of shopping bags are now re-used and not immediately thrown away.
"LibDems led the way in government on environmental protection - we will not back down now, despite the best efforts of the Tories to ignore the damaging impact of plastic on our environment."

Speaking from the Liberal Democrats Conference in Southport, Ladywood Parliamentary Spokesperson, Lee Dargue, criticised the Government's decision to ignore the growing calls for a levy on throwaway cups:

"As with so many other areas in government, the Conservatives refused to accept, and act upon, evidence. The public is increasingly supportive of the Liberal Democrat call for a 25p charge on throwaway cups for coffee - the aim being to increase the use of reusable cups.

"In government, the LibDems broke through resistance from Conservatives to introduce a 5p charge on throwaway shopping bags. Literally billions of shopping bags are now re-used and not immediately thrown away.

"LibDems led the way in government on environmental protection - we will not back down now, despite the best efforts of the Tories to ignore the damaging impact of plastic on our environment."

We need a Brummie Bus Ticket!2018-03-08T13:16:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258183/we-need-a-brummie-bus-ticketBirmingham Liberal Democrats are calling for a new Brummie Bus Ticket.
Both the Black Country and Coventry have a Bus ticket covering just their area, but Brummies have to pay for the whole of the West Midlands metropolitan area.
It is simply unfair that Birmingham's bus users are subsidising the rest of the region. We need to have our own Brummie Ticket, that covers just travel within Birmingham and we are calling on Transport for West Midlands to introduce one.

Birmingham Liberal Democrats are calling for a new Brummie Bus Ticket.

Both the Black Country and Coventry have a Bus ticket covering just their area, but Brummies have to pay for the whole of the West Midlands metropolitan area.

It is simply unfair that Birmingham's bus users are subsidising the rest of the region. We need to have our own Brummie Ticket, that covers just travel within Birmingham and we are calling on Transport for West Midlands to introduce one.

The Liberal Democrats also want to see more simplified fares on the bus and joined up ticketing to make the Swift Card more like London's Oyster Card.

Support the campaign and sign our petition at https://www.birminghamlibdems.org.uk/brummie-bus-ticket

Mental Health MUST be a priority for Birmingham2018-03-07T16:50:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1258147/mental-health-must-be-a-priority-for-birminghamResponding to figures obtained by the Birmingham Live regarding Mental Health treatment success rates, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson for the West Midlands, and Ladywood Parliamentary Spokesperson for the Party, Lee Dargue, commented:
"Mental Health conditions can range from acute issues, up to moderate or severe chronic illnesses and can vary massively in terms of their effects. Their causes are also many and varied, and treatment options are complex and should be personal to each individual.
"These figures partly show what is well known already - that a mix of factors can make recovery more difficult, and being poor or in poverty is often a further damaging effect.
"The biggest issue we face (as being treated "for good" is not always as simple with mental health, compared to physical health) is a compounding set of factors. Breaking the stigma first, to accept you need help, can be a very difficult first step for many.
"Once that stigma is beaten, some people, face discrimination when trying to access services - we know some discrimination is often directed towards our black communities. Then the services themselves are stretched way beyond full capability, due to a lack of funding and some of our hard-working NHS staff themselves facing mental health issues.
"I was proud to support Norman Lamb MP in the coalition government, who spear-headed a revolution in politics around mental health and chair the commission to set up ThriveWM - which is led by the fantastic Sean Russell as part of the Combined Authority. I fully support Sean and this program and hope that Local Authorities all across the West Midlands, as many already have done, get fully involved with people, money and other resources.
"Brexit or not - Mental Health has to be a priority for now, and the future, in national and local government, and across the NHS."

Lee Dargue

Responding to figures obtained by the Birmingham Live regarding Mental Health treatment success rates, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson for the West Midlands, and Ladywood Parliamentary Spokesperson for the Party, Lee Dargue, commented:

"Mental Health conditions can range from acute issues, up to moderate or severe chronic illnesses and can vary massively in terms of their effects. Their causes are also many and varied, and treatment options are complex and should be personal to each individual.

"These figures partly show what is well known already - that a mix of factors can make recovery more difficult, and being poor or in poverty is often a further damaging effect.

"The biggest issue we face (as being treated "for good" is not always as simple with mental health, compared to physical health) is a compounding set of factors. Breaking the stigma first, to accept you need help, can be a very difficult first step for many.

"Once that stigma is beaten, some people, face discrimination when trying to access services - we know some discrimination is often directed towards our black communities. Then the services themselves are stretched way beyond full capability, due to a lack of funding and some of our hard-working NHS staff themselves facing mental health issues.

"I was proud to support Norman Lamb MP in the coalition government, who spear-headed a revolution in politics around mental health and chair the commission to set up ThriveWM - which is led by the fantastic Sean Russell as part of the Combined Authority. I fully support Sean and this program and hope that Local Authorities all across the West Midlands, as many already have done, get fully involved with people, money and other resources.

"Brexit or not - Mental Health has to be a priority for now, and the future, in national and local government, and across the NHS."

To mark 100 days to the World Cup in Russia the we've laid out a 'starting 11' of major concerns Russia needs to give the red card before kick off.

The issues include:

Stop annexing foreign territory

Stop interfering with foreign elections

Stop hacking foreign governments & businesses

Stop institutionalised doping in sports

Stop human rights abuses

Stop decriminalising domestic abuse

Stop supporting Assad in Syria

Stop the stamping out of democracy in Russia

Stop abuses against LGBT Russians

Stop political assassinations at home and abroad

Stop imprisoning those opposed to Putin

We're also calling on the Russian government to make changes in all the areas before the kick off of the first match in the 2018 World Cup.

The Party have also called for FIFA and the international football community to do more to fight against human rights abuses.

Looking ahead to the summer, like every England fan, I will be watching the World Cup with excitement and trepidation.

But I will also be casting a sceptical eye over the hosts, and hoping that they step-up to the task, welcoming supporters from other cultures and their diversity.

With Qatar hosting the World Cup in 2022, and FIFA's reputation in tatters, it is time that football fought against the human rights abuses we have seen from Russia and Qatar and restored our faith in those at the top table.

Small Heath Liberal Democrats campaign against dumped needles and syringes2018-03-05T17:11:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1257961/small-heath-liberal-democrats-campaign-against-dumped-needles-and-syringesThe Birmingham Mail has highlighted Small Heath Liberal Democrat Gerry Moyniham campaign against dumped needles and syringes.
You can read the full story at https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birminghams-needle-alley
-syringes-dumped-14258327.amp?__twitter_impression=true

Birmingham Council fining Ambulances is a new low2018-03-04T09:58:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1257913/birmingham-council-fining-ambulances-is-a-new-lowResponding to news that the West Midlands Ambulance Service is being fined 15 times a day for using bus lanes, LibDem Health spokesperson for the West Midlands, Lee Dargue, commented:
"We could all need an Ambulance at any time. Our Ambulance and NHS staff provide a vital service, especially in this awful weather.
"Many people are aware of how badly this Labour-run council in Birmingham is handling it's finances. We can't even have reliable bin collections - and now they choose to prey on the Emergency Services to raise more money - money that the council would only waste.
"Of course buses need the lanes to move people around efficiently - but even if the Ambulance isn't on an emergency at the time it's photographed - it could be called to action at any time.
"A blanket exemption for all Ambulance, Fire and Police services in bus lanes, whilst not holding up our public transport, is surely the only sensible way forward."

Responding to news that the West Midlands Ambulance Service is being fined 15 times a day for using bus lanes, LibDem Health spokesperson for the West Midlands, Lee Dargue, commented:

"We could all need an Ambulance at any time. Our Ambulance and NHS staff provide a vital service, especially in this awful weather.

"Many people are aware of how badly this Labour-run council in Birmingham is handling it's finances. We can't even have reliable bin collections - and now they choose to prey on the Emergency Services to raise more money - money that the council would only waste.

"Of course buses need the lanes to move people around efficiently - but even if the Ambulance isn't on an emergency at the time it's photographed - it could be called to action at any time.

"A blanket exemption for all Ambulance, Fire and Police services in bus lanes, whilst not holding up our public transport, is surely the only sensible way forward."

Sunderland is helping the homeless - Birmingham and the West Midlands can do the same2018-03-03T17:00:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1257903/sunderland-is-helping-the-homeless-birmingham-and-the-west-midlands-can-do-the-sameResponding to news that Sunderland AFC is opening it's doors to help temporarily house homeless people Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Ladywood, Lee Dargue pleaded with Football Clubs in Birmingham and across the West Midlands:
"Sunderland AFC have started a fantastic initiative here. I plead with Football Clubs and similar venues across the West Midlands to follow their lead during this extreme weather.
"I know it would be a big undertaking, but I'm confident people across the great City of Birmingham and our community-based West Midlands region will come out to offer to volunteer to support this.
"As a start - I call upon Aston Villa and Birmingham City Football Clubs to do the same as Sunderland AFC; I and others will support any way we can.
"Let's help save lives and show what the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands value most - supporting the most vulnerable and caring for our communities."

Lee Dargue

Responding to news that Sunderland AFC is opening it's doors to help temporarily house homeless people Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Ladywood, Lee Dargue pleaded with Football Clubs in Birmingham and across the West Midlands:

"Sunderland AFC have started a fantastic initiative here. I plead with Football Clubs and similar venues across the West Midlands to follow their lead during this extreme weather.

"I know it would be a big undertaking, but I'm confident people across the great City of Birmingham and our community-based West Midlands region will come out to offer to volunteer to support this.

"As a start - I call upon Aston Villa and Birmingham City Football Clubs to do the same as Sunderland AFC; I and others will support any way we can.

"Let's help save lives and show what the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands value most - supporting the most vulnerable and caring for our communities."

The Liberal Democrats are turning 30 today! 2018-03-03T11:00:08Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1257801/the-liberal-democrats-are-turning-30-todayAnd even when no other party agrees, we've stood our ground.
Today, on our 30th Anniversary we stand strong, with 100,000 members, right across the UK and once again, we're setting out the bold ideas needed to build a strong, Liberal Britain
✔︎ An exit from Brexit.
✔︎ a new deal for social care.
✔︎ a new deal for schools.
✔︎ a new deal for services.

And even when no other party agrees, we've stood our ground.

Today, on our 30th Anniversary we stand strong, with 100,000 members, right across the UK and once again, we're setting out the bold ideas needed to build a strong, Liberal Britain

✔︎ An exit from Brexit.
✔︎ a new deal for social care.
✔︎ a new deal for schools.
✔︎ a new deal for services.

Theresa May has once again prevaricated from making serious decisions about our future2018-03-02T16:00:07Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1257701/theresa-may-has-once-again-prevaricated-from-making-serious-decisions-about-our-futureCommenting on Theresa May's Brexit speech at Mansion House, Vince Cable MP Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:
May's diminished authority is allowing Brexit extremists to neuter any chance she has at getting an acceptable deal for the UK.
"With a listless government beholden to hard-line Tories the only way to protect our future is ensure a referendum on the final deal. Surely, If May believes in her strategy, she would happily take it to the country."

May's diminished authority is allowing Brexit extremists to neuter any chance she has at getting an acceptable deal for the UK.

"With a listless government beholden to hard-line Tories the only way to protect our future is ensure a referendum on the final deal. Surely, If May believes in her strategy, she would happily take it to the country."

Liberal Democrats call for an end to Rough Sleeping2018-03-02T09:30:00Zhttp://birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1257588/liberal-democrats-call-for-an-end-to-rough-sleepingBirmingham Liberal Democrats have unveiled an Action Plan to end rough sleeping in Birmingham
Before we can tackle rough sleeping, we need to know the real extent of the problem. The Council claimed that during their recent count there were only 57 rough sleepers across the whole of Birmingham, anyone can see this is clearly not the case and doesn't included the thousands of hidden homeless who are sofa surfing or in temporary accommodation.

Birmingham Liberal Democrats have unveiled an Action Plan to end rough sleeping in Birmingham

Before we can tackle rough sleeping, we need to know the real extent of the problem. The Council claimed that during their recent count there were only 57 rough sleepers across the whole of Birmingham, anyone can see this is clearly not the case and doesn't included the thousands of hidden homeless who are sofa surfing or in temporary accommodation.

The Liberal Democrats Action Plan

Conduct a proper count of rough sleepers, working with homeless charities and outreach teams to identify the full extent of the problem

Develop a co-ordinated approach between all partners working to support rough sleepers, the hidden homeless, as well as those vulnerable to becoming homeless

Increase the current out-of-hours provision to provide more support and extend support to areas out of the city centre

Introduce a Housing First policy across Birmingham, where rough sleepers are offered a home and support to tackle the causes of their homelessness, help them become self-sufficient as well offering mental health and physical health support

Reform the Council's housing policies and look to provide high standard temporary accommodation rather than forcing people into substandard Bed and Breakfast accomodation

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for better and proper regulation of hostel, homes of multiple occupation and private landlords, improving the standard of homes across our area and giving tenants more security of tenure.

We will also use the current powers the Council has to bring more empty homes back into use and ensure new properties are built to a high environmental standard and there are a significant number of affordable homes.